Some Kind of Wonderful. Sarah Morgan
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to keep it civilized. You didn’t kill him.”
Civilized?
There was nothing civilized about the chemistry between them. Never had been. Being with Zach had been the most dizzying and exciting time of her life.
Until he’d dumped her.
“Why would I kill him? It doesn’t bother me whether he’s here or not.” Ignoring Emily’s raised eyebrows, she sat back while Kirsti delivered food and drinks to the table.
“A special welcome home, Brittany! Fresh blueberries, our homemade cinnamon-and-honey granola, Greek yogurt in case you’re missing Crete, coffee and pancakes. I’m pretty sure they don’t make those in Greece. And I added a side of bacon to your order because I know it’s your favorite. Enjoy.”
Brittany’s stomach purred. Apart from a mouthful of the muffin Emily had produced, she hadn’t eaten since the flight. “If I eat this I’ll be the size of a small yacht.”
“You’re tired. Fuel will help that. And diet soda isn’t fuel.” Kirsti gave her a knowing look and Brittany returned it with a sheepish grin.
“It was my breakfast of choice in Greece.”
Kirsti shuddered. “I know nothing about Greek history but I’m fairly sure that isn’t part of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Eat your granola.”
As she walked away, Brittany glanced around the crowded terrace. “Business is good? I don’t see many empty seats.”
“Business is good.” Ryan reached across and rescued the soft toy Lizzy had dropped.
Looking at the plush puffin, Brittany knew instantly where it had come from. “Rachel had a million of those when she was little.”
“Because she kept losing them and couldn’t sleep without one.”
Knowing that Ryan’s experience of raising his younger siblings had left him with a thirst for a child-free existence, Brittany was surprised by the change in him. “How is Alec? Is he in London at the moment?”
“No, he’s back. Had a drink with him last night. Zach joined us.” Ryan picked up his coffee. “He has your backpack. He’s going to return it.”
“He already did.” Not wanting to dwell on the fact she’d screamed like a baby and then stood in front of him naked, Brittany picked up her spoon and dug it into the granola and yogurt. “There’s no need to look so worried. Our relationship was over a long time ago. I can barely remember it.”
Ryan gave her a steady look but said nothing and she felt a rush of gratitude.
He’d been a good friend to her.
In those few initial weeks after Zach had deserted her, he’d been the one to pick up the pieces.
With his help and the help of her friends and grandmother, she’d healed.
And gradually she’d forced herself to accept the truth.
Zach had never loved her.
He wasn’t capable of it. He wasn’t capable of intimacy or sharing or any of the things that went hand in hand with love.
Brittany looked down at her plate and realized she’d eaten the food without noticing it. “Maybe I was hungrier than I thought.” She looked up just as Ryan reached out and stroked Emily’s cheek with his fingers.
They shared a look that reminded Brittany of Nik and Lily.
Everyone was in love, she thought numbly. Everyone was holding hands and exchanging long looks.
Unsettled, she finished her coffee and stood up. “Thanks for breakfast. I need to pick up a few things at the harbor. See you later.”
She walked out of the Ocean Club, enjoying the view of the bay. After the sweltering heat of Greece in August she was grateful for the sea breeze. High above, the gulls circled, hopeful of an impromptu meal delivered by careless tourists.
The Captain Hook was leaving on its late-morning trip to the mainland, its squat bulk and red paint making it instantly recognizable. Knowing that this was the busiest time of the year for John, the harbormaster, she didn’t pause to talk to him and was surprised when he came striding across to her.
“Hi, John! I saw the boat you made Lizzy. It’s beautiful! It’s good to see you after— Oh.” She staggered as he pulled her into a giant bear hug. She’d known him since before she could walk, but this was the first time she could ever remember him hugging her. “That’s nice.” The words were muffled against his shoulder and then he released her, his eyes fierce.
“You’ve been away too long. I hope this time you’ll stay awhile. No more of those flying visits.”
“I was working, John. I was on a dig in Greece, and before that I was studying.”
“I know. Oxford and Cambridge. Doctor Forrest. The night Ryan and Alec told us, we all raised a glass up at the Ocean Club.”
“You did?” Surprised and touched, Brittany felt a rush of affection for the islanders.
“We always knew you’d do great things. Kathleen would have been proud of you.” His voice was gruff. “And all I can say is I’m sorry. A good girl like you deserves better.”
Confused, Brittany looked at him blankly. “Er—better than what?”
“Better than coming home with so many achievements to celebrate and finding that cheating ex-husband of yours living on your island.”
Her stomach lurched.
“He didn’t cheat, John, and it’s not my island. He has a perfect right to be here.”
“You were here first. And you’re local. You belong here.”
As a child it had both fascinated and offended her principles that people had to “earn” the right to be accepted on Puffin Island. As far as she was concerned, people had a right to come and go as they pleased and the place would be all the better for the variety.
“There’s room for both of us.”
“I hear he was the one who flew you from the mainland.”
It was inevitable that the manner of her arrival would have been the subject of local gossip, but still the thought of it grated over her skin like sandpaper. “He did.”
“That must have shaken you up some.”
She chose to deliberately misunderstand. “Not at all. The weather was smooth and Zach is an excellent pilot.” He’d been a lousy excuse for a friend and an even worse husband but she didn’t intend to discuss that with anyone, no matter how much they probed and how much she loved them. She tried to turn the conversation. “How are you, John?”
“I’m good, considering. Must have been awkward for you, seeing him again. By my calculation you haven’t laid eyes on the man since he left you all those years ago.”
“That’s why it wasn’t awkward. It was so long ago I barely remember it. I appreciate how much you all care, but no one needs to worry about me. Good to see you, John. I have to pick up a few things from Harbor Stores before I go back to the cottage.” She extracted herself from the inquisition, crossed the road and bumped into Hilda, who had been a close friend of her grandmother’s.
“Hilda!” Genuinely pleased to see her, she gave the old lady a warm hug. “How are you doing? I hear Agnes has moved near you. I bet the two of you never stop talking.”
“Talking with friends is one of life’s pleasures, especially now that my hips won’t let me rush anywhere. Can’t even run away from a handsome man, not that there are too many chasing me these days.” Hilda patted her arm. “And on that topic, I just want you to know we’re all watching him so you don’t need to worry.”
“Watching him?”